Separatists abduct 30 villagers

Separatists abduct 30 villagers

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Guerrillas from the Free Papua Movement
have reportedly abducted 30 residents of Akcan village, Merauke
regency, and headed for the Papua New Guinea border.

Quoting sources at the Trikora military command, Antara
reported yesterday the abduction is part of a rebel campaign in
the area, which began on Nov. 8 and has since resulted in the
death of one soldier.

According to the Ministry of Public Works' provincial office,
two of those abducted from the village were Panudiyanto and
Riyanto, both employees of the public works office. They were
conducting a survey for the construction of a trans-Irian road.

The fate of all 30 is still unknown.(mds)